Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan – United States Department of State

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in Ankara with Turkish President Recep Erdoğan to discuss the latest developments in Syria. Secretary Blinken discussed strong U.S.-Turkish regional cooperation and our shared interest in supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition to an accountable and inclusive government. He reiterated the importance of all actors in Syria respecting human rights, upholding international humanitarian law, and taking all feasible steps to protect civilians, including members of minority groups. Secretary Blinken noted the importance of facilitating the flow of humanitarian assistance to all in need and emphasized that displaced Syrians will continue to need protection. He emphasized the need to ensure the coalition to defeat ISIS can continue to execute its critical mission. He also discussed the urgent need to conclude a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and surges humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinian civilians.